The South West remains in an amber heat health alert and with visitor numbers peaking, services at the Royal Devon hospitals in Barnstaple and Exeter are under extreme pressure, with colleagues working tirelessly to manage a significant rise in demand for services.

Colleagues are working hard to ensure patients continue to receive timely and compassionate care while services are busy but waiting times in our emergency departments are longer than we would like.

We need everyone’s help and are asking people to take precautions to prevent overheating, to look out for anyone who may be vulnerable in higher temperatures and follow the advice given by the UK Health Security Agency.

If people need healthcare, we’re also asking them to choose the right service for their needs. Emergency departments are for emergency conditions only such as severe bleeding, breathing difficulties, stroke symptoms, chest pain, or for babies and toddlers under the age of two.

Accessing the most appropriate care for your condition not only helps you get the care and advice you need in a timely way but also helps others do the same. 

By planning ahead, ordering prescriptions early and making use of community pharmacies and NHS 111 (who can help with urgent dental care and mental health support), visitors and residents can help ensure everyone stays well, while protecting urgent and emergency services for the most serious conditions.

Contact your own GP practice first

The first port of call for GP care for visitors to Devon should be their home GP practice. They can provide advice through online, phone or video consultations and arrange for prescriptions to be sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice in Devon.

Community pharmacies

Community pharmacies can provide expert advice and treatment for a range of common conditions such as earache (children up to 17 years), insect bites, free contraception services, and free blood pressures checks without the need for a GP appointment through Pharmacy First, making them a quick and convenient option for many minor illnesses while people are away from home. You can search for a local pharmacy and their opening times here.

Urgent Treatment Centres, Minor Injuries Units and Walk-in Centres 

If you need urgent treatment, but your condition is not life threatening, you can use your local Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), minor injuries unit (MIU) or walk-in centre (WIC), where you will be seen by highly-qualified practitioners. This will ensure you receive the best possible treatment, leaving the emergency departments (ED) free to deal with more serious cases. You do not need to pre-book an appointment, just walk-in during our opening hours.  You can check the opening times of local Urgent Treatment Centres or Minor Injury Units by visiting the interactive map on the One Devon website or by using the NHS Quicker App.

Access the NHS App 24/7

People can also use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions, check symptoms and access a range of NHS services. The app is free to download and available to use at any time.

In an emergency

For life-threatening emergencies – such as someone who is unconscious, struggling to breathe, having a severe allergic reaction, experiencing a seizure for the first time, suffering serious injury or bleeding that won’t stop or babies and toddlers under two – always call 999.